New York City in the 1850s

By the 1850s, New York City’s ports handled more goods and people than all other American ports combined. In 1855, Fernando Wood was elected as the first mayor.

Bird's Eye View of New York City

A dramatic aerial perspective above Manhattan, showing the rapid change of the city’s skyline and landscape.

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1850: Bird's Eye View of New York City

A dramatic aerial perspective above Manhattan, showing the rapid change of the city’s skyline and landscape.

1850: Busy Wharf Scene

A painting depicting a day of busy trading at the seaport

1850: Bowling Green

A colorful and fully restored lithograph depicting a small public park near the growing financial sector.

1855: City Hall, Manhattan

A photograph of Manhattan’s City Hall in 1855

1858: Looking South from Chatham Square

Lithograph of New York City’s Chatham Square in 1858

1857: Jefferson Market at 6th Avenue

An illustrative engraving of Jefferson Market on 6th Avenue, designed by architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux.

1855: Washington Monument at Union Square on 14th Street

1850: Old New York City Clothes Market

Black and white photograph of an open air clothing market in New York City, circa 1850

1855: Broadway Looking North from Broome Street

Photograph capturing the hum and activity of downtown Manhattan in the winter